Everton continued to shine on the road as goals from Jarrad Branthwaite, Beto and Thierno Barry took the Toffees up to 40 points.
David Moyes has now seen his side win seven out of 14 away games in the Premier League this season, but he almost had to settle for a point after Sandro Tonali smashed a superb volley towards the top corner in stoppage time.
Jordan Pickford somehow kept the ball out in remarkable fashion, leading Eddie Howe to describe the save as one of the best he has ever seen in his interview after the 3-2 win for Everton.
Who was your Man of the Match from that incredible game? 🤩
Not sure how you're going to only pick one…
Eddie Howe says Jordan Pickford save was “outstanding”
When asked for his thoughts on the late stop from Pickford – who Jack Grealish also praised on Instagram – the Newcastle boss admitted it was “one of the best” saves he has ever witnessed.
Howe told the BBC: “I’ve got to say that’s one of the best saves I’ve seen live. I thought it was outstanding. I think when you put it in context of the timing of the game and what it meant, obviously a frustrating one for us.”
Pickford – who Joe Cole has backed to break a record – turned and flexed his biceps to the Newcastle fans behind his goal after the incredible stop, as James Garner put his hands on his head in disbelief, just as thousands across Tyneside also would have done.
In a ground where the Everton No.1 has often been accused of being distracted by Newcastle fans – given his allegiance to rivals Sunderland – he deserves credit for staying focused and stopping what was a ferocious effort from Tonali.
Branthwaite echoed the thoughts of Howe – telling reporters he had no idea how his “magic” teammate got a glove to the ball.
The Everton No.32 said: “I think it’s the best save I’ve ever seen. I don’t know how he’s pulled it off. When he does things like that, it’s magic. He’s kept us in the game.”
Jordan Pickford stats as Everton No.1 nears 100 clean sheets
Some eyebrows were raised when Everton spent £30m to sign Pickford from Sunderland back in June 2017 when he was just 23, but what a deal it has turned out to be.
The Washington-born glovesman has now amassed 348 appearances for the Toffees, impressively recording 98 clean sheets in that space of time.
At the age of just 31, Pickford could still man the posts for Everton for another decade, such is his immense availability.
The Sunderland academy graduate is even coaching his potential replacement and namesake George Pickford. So, not only is he doing a fantastic job for Everton himself, but he could also save The Friedkin Group from having to worry about finding a replacement.
What’s your message to Moyes after that win? 🤯
Have you ever seen anything like that?
As far as £30m signings go, Pickford has more than repaid that fee.
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